Frank Beamer announced Sunday that he will step down as head coach at Virginia Tech following the 2015 season.
Beamer met with school athletic director Whit Babcock and university president Timothy Sands early Sunday and then held a team meeting to inform his players. Virginia Tech later issued a statement in which Beamer said, “I’ve always said that I want what is best for Virginia Tech. Because of my love and passion for this great university, this program and our tremendous fans, I have decided after 29 years that it is time.”
The 69-year-old Beamer has a record of 235-122-2 since becoming head coach at Virginia Tech in 1987. He won three Big East conference titles and four in the ACC. The Hokies had a period of 22 straight post season bowl appearances from 1993-2014 with a 10-12 record. Beamer had back-to-back 11-1 seasons in 1999 and 2000. The Hokies got as high as #2 in the AP poll in 1999 with Michael Vick at quarterback before a 17-point loss to Florida State in the BCS championship game in the Sugar Bowl.
Virginia Tech had at least 10 wins in every season from 2004-2011, but the Hokies have lost at least five games each of the last four years and are 4-5 this season.
In Virginia Tech’s statement, Babcock said, “Coach will always be one of the most beloved figures in college football history.”
Attention now turns to the coaching candidates to replace Beamer. He said he would prefer his replacement to come from within his staff. Hs son Shane is an assistant on the current staff and stepped in as interim coach last year when Beamer had throat surgery. Defensive coordinator Bud Foster’s name is also being mentioned. He has been on Beamer’s staff the entire tenure at Virginia Tech.
Main image credit:
